What does "intrigue" mean?
A complicated or clandestine plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.
Intrigue
/ˈɪntɹiːɡ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A complicated or clandestine plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.
- Grammar: intrigue is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: machination, absorb, academic personal interest, adulterous affair.
- Useful contrasts: bore, boredom, candor.
- Usage evidence: He watches for an opportunity to intrigue against his rival.
How to use "intrigue"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "intrigue" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "intrigue" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "intrigue" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "intrigue" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "intrigue" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "machination" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "intrigue", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A complicated or clandestine plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem. countable, uncountable
"[…] lost in such a jungle of intrigues, pettifoggings, treacheries, diplomacies domestic and foreign […]"
- 2 a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends wordnet
- 3 The plot of a play, poem or romance; the series of complications in which a writer involves their imaginary characters. countable, uncountable
- 4 a clandestine love affair wordnet
- 5 Clandestine intercourse between persons; illicit intimacy; a liaison or affair. countable, uncountable
"I often used to smile at a young Ensign of the Guards, who always popped [pawned] his sword and watch when he wanted cash for an intrigue; […]"
Verb
- 1 To conceive or carry out a secret plan intended to harm; to form a plot or scheme. intransitive
- 2 form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner wordnet
- 3 To arouse the interest of; to fascinate. transitive
"Scenic illusions such as those caused by the haze, or the apparent diminution of scale where everything was enormous, intrigued Dutton."
- 4 cause to be interested or curious wordnet
- 5 To have clandestine or illicit intercourse. intransitive
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate. transitive
"And as wililye as thoſe ſhrewes that beguyle hym haue holpe hym to inuolue and intryke the matter: I ſhall vſe ſo playn and open a way therin, that euery man ſhall well ſee the trouth."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"He watches for an opportunity to intrigue against his rival."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "intrigue"?
Common synonyms include: machination, absorb, academic personal interest, adulterous affair, adultery, affair.
How do you use "intrigue" in a sentence?
He watches for an opportunity to intrigue against his rival.
How do you pronounce "intrigue"?
Pronounced /ˈɪntɹiːɡ/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French intrigue, from Italian intricare, from Latin intrīcō (“I entangle, perplex, embarrass”). Doublet of intricate.